Overview & Reviews

With its funky styling and spunky four-cylinder power, the compact Kia Soul is aimed at mainstream economy-car shoppers who want something different. Indeed, the boxy Kia hatchback is avant garde in its approach, boasting a swept-back exterior design with sporty angles and a neat cabin filled with distinctive shapes and vibrant colors. It gives Kia an injection of, well, soul to complement its well-earned reputation for competence and value.

Current Kia Soul
Introduced for 2014, the second-generation Kia Soul comes in three trim levels: base, + and !.

The base Soul gets a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 130 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard (including a hill-start assist function), and a six-speed automatic is optional.

Soul+ and ! models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 164 hp and it comes only with the six-speed automatic. EPA combined fuel economy estimates range from 26-27 mpg, the latter with the optional Eco package.

The base Soul's standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an audio system with a CD player, satellite radio and an iPod/USB interface. The Soul+ adds 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and front and rear center armrests. The Soul! features 18-inch wheels, body-colored bumpers, LED daytime running lights, power-folding side mirrors, a power driver seat and the Uvo eServices package (infotainment interface with voice control, Bluetooth audio connectivity, streaming Internet radio capability, a rearview camera and automatic headlights). Option highlights include a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a navigation system, an upgraded audio system, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats.

In reviews, we've been impressed with the Soul's interior materials' quality, user-friendly high-tech features and generous passenger and cargo space. Underway, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is satisfyingly quick whether bopping around town or merging onto a highway. The automatic transmission is on point with its well-timed and swift gearchanges. We haven't sampled the smaller engine but assume most buyers would be happier with the equally fuel-efficient but gutsier 2.0-liter mill. The Soul handles curvy roads well, thanks to its well-weighted, precise steering and composed attitude. Unfortunately, the Soul's boxy shape results in excessive wind noise at highway speeds, and the Soul! model has a somewhat rough ride due to its larger wheels and tires.

Used Kia Soul Models
The first-generation Kia Soul was produced from 2010-'13. Trim levels consisted of base, +, ! and Sport.

The base Soul had a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 122 hp; it was available only with a five-speed manual. The upper trims got a 2.0-liter four with 142 hp. It also came with the five-speed manual as standard, but a four-speed automatic was optional.

Standard features on the base Soul included air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system with satellite radio and an iPod/USB jack. Moving up through the trims brought alloy wheels, premium audio, power-folding sideview mirrors, a sunroof, automatic climate control and a two-tone interior.

For 2012 a number of important improvements took place, notably more engine output, new six-speed transmissions and revised steering. The base Soul's 1.6-liter four made 138 hp and could be paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The other Souls' 2.0-liter four cranked out 164 hp. The Soul + had the same transmission choices as the base model, while the Soul ! was automatic only. That year the Soul's styling was slightly updated inside and out and a number of new technology options, such as a navigation system, debuted as well.

In reviews, we noted that the Soul's cabin offered a nice balance between form and function, while the available two-tone houndstooth upholstery gave the Soul more flair than its rivals. Gauges and controls are well-placed and easy to use, even when fitted with high-tech options like the voice-controlled Uvo infotainment system that allows you to control your cell phone, iPod and more with voice commands. A major benefit of the Soul's boxy design is the abundant head- and legroom, even in the backseat.

As with the following generation, the 2.0-liter engine is the one to get, especially since fuel economy is on par with the smaller engine. In terms of handling, the Soul doesn't offer the sort of zippy nature provided by some other small cars, but it isn't a soft snooze-mobile either. The ride quality is pretty agreeable, though models fitted with the admittedly sharp-looking 18-inch alloy wheels can feel harsh over bad pavement.

User Reviews:

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  Very Good Value - 2011 Kia Soul
  By pa_hiker - July 31 - 11:32 am

  My daughter purchased this this vehicle 3 weeks ago -- base with 1.6L and 5spd. I have driven it about 500 of the 2500 miles so far. On a trip from Michigan to Pennsylvania, we achieved 36.2 mpg over 600 miles. AC was on part of the time and there were two persons and back was loaded with cargo. I drove the posted speed of 70 most of the way and 65 in PA. Interior dash and controls are very nicely designed. I much prefer it to my 2008 Scion xB. Vehicle is very spacious, handles well, and is very practical. Driving position is ideal for shorter person, but room for large driver as well. Extensive safety features for a car in this price range. Purchase was painless at dealer.

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  Soul Power - 2010 Kia Soul
  By A Little bit of SOUL - July 28 - 12:50 pm

  Have SOUL Exclaim with 2400 miles, great gas mileage 26+, good view of the road and ride quality is excellent. Best cross over of the lot out there.

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  So far, so good - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Press - July 25 - 4:56 pm

  Solid drive; much more comfortable and responsive than I expected. Comfortable seats. Accessories easy to reach for the most part. Put a 6-foot kid in the backseat and his knees didnt even touch the front seat. Much roomier than it looks. Cargo area not real big, but with seats folded down, more than adequate. Fun to drive. Turns on a dime. A bit sluggish on acceleration, I thought -- exceeded 5,000 rpms on a quick acceleration, which is too close to redlining for my comfort. Doors sound solid when closing them; not tinny like a cheap car. Loaded with nice, consumer-friendly features. A really good value, I think.

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  great little green car LOVE 2 drive soul - 2010 Kia Soul
  By martha flowes - June 29 - 4:50 am

  i waited almost 6 months o make sure i wanted it and then got the green soul.love it. one of the coolest cars ive ever owned in my life. everyone wants to check it out too.

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  New Soul ! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By smillermom - June 26 - 2:17 am

  I absolutely love, love my Kia! I went with the Exclaim as I wanted all upgrades possible and am glad I did. There is not a feature I could imagine that is not in this vehicle. They thought of everything. I love the way it handles and the roll back feature also. The car is very solid and lots and lots of room. Nice and peppy and handles well in the rainy conditions we have been having. So very glad I traded and feel a joy just driving my car!! Now, if I can get it from being dinged in parking lots life would be perfect!!!!

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  Kia Soul Review - 2012 Kia Soul
  By schuls - June 21 - 6:05 am

  I love my new car more & more each day.

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  A new way to roll - 2010 Kia Soul
  By Soul Lover - June 9 - 4:53 am

  I trade in a Mazda 3 for my Kia Soul. I was a little worried at first that I was going to lose the zoom-zoom, but Im very happy with my car. I have had the car about six weeks and I have 1800 miles on it, still solid and squeak free. My friends call it the monster truck because of the 18" wheels.

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  My Stylish Little Economizer!! - 2014 Kia Soul
  By Alphonso - June 4 - 8:50 am

  WOW!! I didnt expect this when I bought it used! Comfortable, quiet, convenient, safe, capable and fun, fun, fun!! The 1.6L engine had me fooled! Its acceleration is decent, not overwhelming. I get respectable mileage and very good handling! All things considered, Im almost blown away that this vehicle presents! With Bluetooth and XM, Im happy that Kia seemed to really, really have the consumer in mind! Thanks, Kia! I would definitely buy again!

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  great car even at 60 - 2010 Kia Soul
  By suzieq - May 20 - 11:13 pm

  I loved the car as soon as I saw it, and 6 months later i traded in a 2007 Mazda 3 hatchback. Fun to drive with but one drawback for the moment. As i live in Montréal and it gets very cold.... I have had trouble with rear doors freezing. Has anyone else had this trouble. I am going to the dealers to-day and see what they say.

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  Quite Pleased With my Soul Sport - 2011 Kia Soul
  By fudogdad - May 7 - 4:59 pm

  I have a 2011 Soul Sport. With all the options but remote start. The car drives and handles great. I drive about an hour to and from work each day. The car has decent pick up so Im not a nervous Nelly when attempting to pass some traffic. I wish the seat had a bit more functionality. Its taken me a bit more time then typical to find my sweet spot. The seat doesnt go back far enough so, anyone taller than around 5 11" may have an issue with space. Im 5 11" and the seat is all the way back. The Tilt wheel is nice but Telescopic would be best. I love all the features of the car. Over all, I love the car. I traded in my Dodge Magnum R/T. It was a serious change by no regrets. Saves on Gas!